JULIE Honors 2025 Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award Recipients

Joliet, IL – The Board of Directors at JULIE is proud to announce Kim Kennedy of Electric Conduit Construction and Brian Hovanes of M&J Underground as the 2025 recipients of the Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award. The award, established in memory of Gina Meehan-Taylor, a dedicated Ameren Illinois professional and longtime champion of underground utility safety, recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional advocacy, leadership, and commitment to protecting underground infrastructure.

Selected from a statewide pool of nominations, the recipients were chosen for their tireless efforts to promote safe excavation practices and advance the principles of damage prevention.

Brian Hovanes, Project Manager at M&J Underground, has built a career grounded in responsibility, safety, and education. A passionate advocate for protecting underground infrastructure, Brian completed the JULIE Essentials for Excavators Training, demonstrating his commitment to best practices, accurate locates, and proactive excavation. His leadership at M&J Underground fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and precision, setting a standard for future industry professionals.

Kim Kennedy, Operations Coordinator at Electric Conduit Construction, has served as a cornerstone of her company’s locate request process for over 20 years. Known for her diligence, leadership, and collaboration with JULIE operators, Kim goes beyond her duties to educate field employees on JULIE laws and industry best practices. Her efforts have strengthened safety awareness, improved compliance, and reinforced a culture of proactive damage prevention within her organization and the broader industry.

“Gina was a strong champion of damage prevention, and we are honored that her legacy continues through this award,” said Mark Frost, Executive Director of JULIE. “Recognizing individuals like Kim and Brian allows us to celebrate those making a real difference in the lives of those who live and work around underground utilities.”

The Gina Meehan-Taylor Damage Prevention Advocacy Award is open to nominations from utility members, excavators, first responders, locators, and others across Illinois who embody Gina’s passion for safety, education, and advocacy.

JULIE is a not-for-profit agency based in Joliet representing more than 2,000 members across Illinois, outside the city of Chicago. JULIE personnel do not perform locating or marking services. For more information about the award nomination process or safe digging practices, visit www.JULIEBeforeYouDig.com.